​Over 50's Travel

Advantages for Over 50's travelers

STORY BY VI HUGHES

Over 50s usually have more time to travel, especially if you are retired and have the time to ‘smell the roses’ as you don’t have to rush everything and everywhere.​Life is a great teacher and in your “later years” you can reflect on your life experiences.You are not naïve and therefore are usually more cautious in unusual situations.You are more likely to appreciate different people, cultures, architecture and history more and, as a result your holiday experiences can be much richer.Over 50s are often in a better financial position to enjoy a little luxury from time to time; lash out on better restaurants and shows and treat yourself to some of life’s indulgences.You may only have yourselves to think about, as the children should now be self sufficient and hopefully moved out of home. When you forget things its more likely to be due to your age..... not because you’re drunk!

​Planning your Over 50's travel

Chances are you traveled quite a lot when you were younger and remember the excitement that comes with planning a trip.But many older residents who have lived in Australia most of their lives but have not taken citizenship do not realise that they risk being refused back into the country of they don't have a re-entry visa.It is important that you check your residency, passport and visa status:

Check that your passport has at least six months validity when you return.

Check if you need a visa to enter the country, or are-entry visa to get back into your country if you are not a citizen.

Also check entry conditions into other countries - sometimes you have to pay an extra "visa" or entry fee even though you have a visa (it's hard to argue when there are armed soldiers speaking in a language you don't understand)!

Start planning well in advance to make sure EVERYTHING is thought about and you know what flights and accommodation are available.

Organise travel insurance as soon as you pay for your flights, just in case you have to cancel them. If you can't afford travel insurance you can't afford to travel!

When you are young and carefree it’s easy to wing it and you can always make do if things don’t work out. In later years this can becomes stressful and can spoil your holiday if it’s not all properly in place.

Register your travel details with smart traveler in case there are any problems when you are away.

Packing – Comfort is the priority, particularly with shoes. Check info on packing – rolling clothes is usually easier and will crease less.

Finding good accommodation is a top priority to make sure you get a good night’s sleep and wake up refreshed. This means backpacking or camping are probably not going to suit most over 50s. The body often just can’t take sleeping anywhere. The last thing you want is to be aching all over and not able to do what you want. (Tip: No less than 4 star to make sure your bed is comfortable and you have good air conditioning or heating).